Virgin has offered a first glimpse of its new high-speed trains that will provide daily services from the UK to three major European destinations. The cross-Channel rail service is set to rival Eurostar, with its launch currently expected for 2030.
Plans for 20 daily return services
Plans include 20 daily return services between London, Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam as part of the new cross-Channel offering. With an estimate of about 7.5 million seats every year, it is expected to make it easier for travellers to journey between the UK and European hotspots, while boosting tourism and creating up to 1,000 new jobs.
Train design and onboard features
The rail operator released renderings of its sleek, futuristic black-and-red train, which the company says will be able to reach speeds of up to 300km/h. The firm has also hinted that it will recreate the likes of Virgin Atlantic’s Clubhouses as “pre-departure and onboard social spaces” where passengers can relax before their journey.
Passengers will be able to earn Virgin Points when using the rail service through their Virgin Red loyalty platform, which can then be redeemed on future train journeys, flights, hotels, cruises and other experiences.
CEO statement on the new venture
Josh Bayliss, CEO of Virgin Group, said: “Virgin has a proud history in UK rail. With our latest venture we are drawing on more than four decades of experience across travel and hospitality to create something genuinely new. This time, we’ll be connecting London with some of Europe’s greatest cities and giving passengers a distinctive new choice in cross-Channel travel.”
“Virgin has always thrived on challenging the status quo and aimed to provide our customers with a great experience. We’ll bring the same approach to the cross-Channel route, making the journey something to look forward to as much as the destination.”
“We’re confident that more journeys between the UK and Europe will be made by train. We’re adding capacity for millions more international rail journeys each year, growing the market as a whole. We’re looking forward to seeing our distinctive red and black trains travelling across Europe.”
